Graduation Ceremony, Unforgettable Memories (1)
The B-Lab community, already buzzing with chaos over graduate school admissions, got hit with fresh bait.
In B-Lab, they classified Jeong Seo-hoon's roles by military rank.
Lee Jin-wook was private first class, Kim Chan was company-grade officer, and Dae-gun started as colonel and got promoted to general.
Lee Se-jong had somehow gone from Voldemort to "Commander-in-Chief" or "Sejong Supreme Leader."
"There is no main villain, but we're aiming for that level of presence."
The man had the look of a plump scholar.
Ha Seung-jun, the writer for Choi Hong-rae's The Hunter, was one of the rare male writers in drama land.
"Did you revise the script?"
"Tweaked a few scenes a bit, but nothing major. Director approved it too. I'll email it over—take a look."
"Don't have a copy now?"
"It's on my laptop, but..."
"Mind if I take a quick peek?"
"No problem at all."
Ha Seung-jun cheerfully slid over his notebook.
Jeong Seo-hoon devoured the revised episodes 5 and 6 in a flash, while Ha Seung-jun watched with sparkling eyes.
"So I don't die now?"
"Yes. We figured that gives final-boss-level presence."
"Planning a sequel by any chance?"
The sharp probe made Ha Seung-jun nod sheepishly.
"Spot on. Slotted Jeong Seo-hoon as the season 1 finale villain? Massive hit potential."
"Even without me, it seems solid for a series."
"Originally, Oh Jun-ho hunts new criminals each season, exposing the world's ugliness. Assuming season 1 hits big."
Ha Seung-jun moistened his dry lips with cold water and continued.
"No big bad planned. But with you, it could be the overarching antagonist."
Appear as the season 1 villain's counterpart, then ramp up tension as the true nemesis in season 2.
"Season 2's gonna keep me busy."
"For sure. Way more screen time than season 1."
Jeong Seo-hoon's role: patent attorney Yoon Se-hyun.
But precisely, legal rep for the patent monster, hunting frugal patents in Korea.
His debut has less weight than the two villains taken out first.
"Originally, the real villain was the patent monster—the corporate group—behind him. Yoon was just the front. Hence low screen time."
"Tweaked Yoon for season 2."
"Yeah. Now he's a chaebol illegitimate son. New backstory. Smart enough to be his dad's company's in-house attorney."
"You knew I got my patent attorney cert?"
"Yep. Fans will love it. Yoon Se-hyun costume? Perfect immersion for actor Jeong Seo-hoon. I'm convinced."
It felt like fate's too-perfect prank, almost laughable.
'Patent attorney for evil, then mad scientist prof back-to-back.'
Lee Jin-wook, Kim Chan, Dae-gun—all far from Jeong Seo-hoon's real image, yet he nailed them better than anyone.
Now two roles tailor-made for human Jeong Seo-hoon, one after another.
"Manhattan Project drama's still far from production?"
"Just barely incorporated the prod co."
"Director says your parts are batched—shoot quick. Max ten days."
"Gotta thank him properly later."
"And, not sure if Director said this, but..."
Ha Seung-jun suddenly whispered, though no one was around.
"Our drama? Your per-episode fee's the highest. Even over lead Oh Jun-ho."
"..."
"Truth? My real protagonist's already shifted from Oh Jun-ho to you."
That was when.
"Jeong Seo-hoon? When'd you get here? Already chatting with Writer Ha?"
Choi Hong-rae, with his rough features, ambled over.
Looks like a tough-guy actor. Who'd peg him as director?
"What's that look? You just pictured me on camera, huh?"
"Thought you'd crush gangster boss."
"Ugh, heard that so much it's boring. I direct acting, don't act. Why everyone pushes me to try?"
"Your face screams mob boss perfect."
Ha Seung-jun's cheek earned a snort from Choi Hong-rae.
"Let's move. Introduce the set. Coulda waited for shoot day though—no need to come early."
"Too excited to wait. Dying to see your megaphone vibe."
"Look at this passion. No wonder early success."
The set was on break.
Director and writer bringing Jeong Seo-hoon tightened the lax air instantly.
"Jeong Seo-hoon."
"It's him."
"Whoa, first time seeing him."
Whispers only Jeong Seo-hoon caught, but writer and director read the tension in faces.
Choi Hong-rae introduced key staff: assistant director, art director, lighting, etc.
Mostly unfamiliar faces, but Jeong Seo-hoon memorized names, faces, roles.
These connections: vital actor assets.
Future-proofing, he greeted even lowliest staff politely.
'Building takes time and effort—crumbles in seconds.'
"Am I the final hurdle?"
"Yes, Professor."
The professor groaned softly, eyeing Jeong Seo-hoon and the thesis alternately.
Jeong's mid-semester submission—the prof's thorough review now revealed.
"Congrats. You're graduating."
"Thank you."
"Early grad, yet no joy?"
"Plenty happy. But not solo early grad, so..."
"Twenty-two, post-military, last semester thesis-only pass? Brag away. Need some human swagger. You're too solemn, humble."
Prof demanded thesis at A+ level, subbing for exams, assignments, attendance.
Fair for all students.
Most skipped for regular classes, but occasional thesis-passers like Jeong emerged.
"Congrats on bachelor's. Keep acting hard."
"Thanks. And Professor, a gift."
"Whoa, gift now looks like quid pro quo..."
"Extra signed books."
"That's fine."
Grinning at celeb signatures, prof cleared throat, pulled something.
Large blank paper in frame.
"Sign here? Photo holding it?"
"What message?"
"Daughter Hye-jeong. Fan—word it nice."
"Got it."
Jeong wrote 'Wishing beloved Hye-jeong eternal happiness', big signature and date.
Held frame prominent; prof snapped photo.
"Oh, President said send you post-review."
"Got the text. Heading up now."
"That cranky guy's up to something suspicious."
The balding president greeted Jeong Seo-hoon with sociable smile.
"Welcome. Jeong Seo-hoon buzz everywhere—feels like anti-grav boosters on my shoulders."
Seated, he spoke warmly.
"Early grad congrats. As student and actor, flawless. True role model."
"Too kind, President."
"Girlfriend? None? I can intro pretty, proper girl."
"I'm good."
"Not icebreaker fluff—real offers piling: active minister's granddaughter, ruling party 3-4 term lawmakers' families serious..."
"President."
"Know our top donor corp?"
"Hwaseong Group, I believe."
"Don't freak. They asked me too. Direct line even."
"..."
"Casual dinner, think it over seriously."
Casual and serious in one breath—educator lingo?
"Anyway, called for another reason. Graduation."
"Just need diploma."
"Nah. Group cap-and-gown pics at least."
"Few early grads—no big deal."
"As president, can't gloss over. Once-in-life event. Idea: early grads festival-style?"
"Festival?"
"Celebrate Jeong Seo-hoon early graduation—big hype, good for you? Fans flock, real party vibe..."
Total's influence-lust shone clear.
Separate: "Fans flock" hooked Jeong.
'My graduation meaningful for fans?'
Conclusion: Yes. Acting experience left no other.
"Let's do it."
Jeong consented, mulling B-Lab announcement.